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Century
21 Associates
Proudly Canadian
CENTURY
21
sells a Home
every minute
WORLDWIDE
Over 6,300 Offices
INTERNATIONAL
1-888-279-2188
LOCAL
(905)
279-8888
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WHAT IS YOUR
HOME WORTH?
Before you set an asking price for your
home, your Better Homes and Gardens sales associate can
help you complete a evaluation. The Home Market Evaluation presents
an opportunity to review and evaluate the facts before you make
a very important decision -- the price you'll ask for your home.
Even though we'll set the market range for your home, you determine
the actual listing price.
If you want to sell quickly, your home should
probably be listed on the lower end of the price range we determine.
On the other hand, you may be in no hurry and more interested
in obtaining maximum equity from the sale. In that case, the higher
end of the price range may be more to your satisfaction. But remember
that ultimately, it is the buyer who will determine the price.
Our Home Market Evaluation
will:
-
show what's happening in the local real estate
market right now
-
show what buyers
are willing to pay for homes similar to yours
-
show what they won't
pay
-
show which homes
will be competing with yours for buyers' attention
The analysis also helps
us look at your home from a buyers perspective -- the perspective
that counts when you're pricing your home to sell.
THE LISTING AGREEMENT
A listing agreement
is a contract in which you hire a real estate firm to find a ready,
willing and able buyer for your home in exchange for a set fee.
Three
types of listing agreements:
-
MLS
LISTING, All board members receive detailed information.
-
With
an exclusive right-to-sell agreement, you
pay fee regardless of who produces the buyer. This fee covers
many important services that the sales associate performs
above and beyond finding a qualified buyer.
-
In
an exclusive-agency listing, if you find a
buyer, he or she is not obligated to pay the fee. If the sales
associate finds a buyer, then the fee is paid to the real
estate company.
-
An
open listing is one in which you sign with
several real estate firms and give each authority to sell
your home. It is typically less effective than exclusive listing
because the sales associate lacks the incentive to make and
all-out effort to sell your home.
Note:
MLS gives your
home greater exposure in the marketplace.
Your CENTURY 21 ASSOCIATES
sales associate can help explain and navigate the many choices
you now face in selling your home. With suggestions from your
sales associate, you can better decide which type of listing agreement
is right for your needs.
WORKING WITH
YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT
Buyers want
to know details; having the answers is a powerful sales tool.
Your
Help
your sales associate by collecting or providing the following
information:
-
The legal description
of the property
-
The number of rooms
and their sizes
-
A list of things
not attached to the house that you're offering for sale, such
as window treatments, carpet, fixtures, swing sets, etc.
-
Past utility bills,
property taxes and insurance
-
Information about
your mortgage, including the type, terms and assumability
-
Financing assistance,
potentially through your own lender
-
Any liens against
the property
-
If you live in a
condominium or a townhouse, include a copy of the association's
declaration, bylaws, and financial statement, monthly fee's
and special assessments
-
Special items or
improvements about the house. (Point out things that may not
be apparent on a walk-through.)
-
The positive points
about your neighborhood, such as demographic information and
proximity to services, shopping, schools and other areas
-
Any defects that
aren't apparent. (You should inform your sales associate about
defects so a buyer can be informed.)
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SELLING YOUR HOME
HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Exterior:
1.
Check condition of and clean window wells (S&F).
2.
Check for termites and other insect infestations. (S&F)
3.
Check the siding for splits, dents, and decay.
Is the paint worn off, blistering or peeling?
If your home is brick, check for missing mortar and cracks
in mortar joints. (S&F)
4.
Check soffits (overhangs) for indications of moisture
buildup. (S)
5.
Check soffit and attic vents for blockage. (S&F)
6.
Check for worn, loose, or missing shingles.
Look for possible roof leaks. (S&F)
7.
Check condition of chimney and flashing (sheet metal
used in waterproofing the angle
between chimney and roof).
If it’s a masonry chimney, check condition of mortar.
(A)
8.
Lubricate and check operation of attic fan. (S&F)
9.
Check roof valley and flashing for poor seal. (A)
10.
Check television antenna for secure anchorage. (A)
11.
Check to see that television antenna is properly grounded
and lightning arrester is attached. (A)
12.
Check condition of and clean gutters and downspouts.
(S&F)
13.
Check windows for loose or crackled glazing.
Check wood around windows for cracking,
rotting and warping.
Are window sills sloped for water drainage? (S&F)
14.
Check for damaged screens or broken glass. (S&F)
15.
Check caulking around all joints and openings between
dissimilar materials. (S&F)
16.
Clean around condensing unit of conditioner and check
for obstructions to air flow. (S&F)
17.
Check hose bibb for leaks.
Drain outside waterline before freezing weather.
Unhook all
hoses from outside faucets. (A)
18.
Check condition of all locks on all windows and doors
and lubricate all moving parts. (A)
19.
Check weather stripping and caulking on all windows and
doors.
Do exterior doors have sills raised above the entrance
piece platform to prevent wind, rain, or snow from blowing under
doors? (S&F)
20.
Winterize and remove window air conditioners. (F)
21.
Convert all electrical outlets to ground fault interruption
type.
22.
Check for proper drainage away from house. (P)
23.
Check sidewalks and steps for unsafe conditions and cracking.
(S&F)
Bath:
24.
Check caulking and grouting around tub and sink area.
(A)
25.
Check for correct drainage in sinks, tubs, and toilets.
Are there any leaks in the plumbing
and pipes or fixtures, and is water pressure adequate?
(P)
Kitchen:
26.
Check to make sure fire extinguishers are properly charges.
(P)
27.
Clean filter on oven hood. (P)
28.
Check appliances and drop cords for loose and frayed
wires. (P)
29.
Clean the coils on the back or underneath the refrigerator.
(A)
Basement:
30.
Check the foundation and basement walls for cracks and
deterioration.
Check condition
of floor for cracks or evidence of sagging. (S&F)
31.
Check condition of electrical service entrance.
32.
Drain, clean and check all parts of the dehumidifier.
(S)
33.
Clean and check condition and operation of sump pump
and sump pit.
Is floor drain
working properly? (S&F)
34.
Check plumbing for any drips or possible leaks. (P)
35.
Check basement for dampness or leakage after heavy rain.
(S&F)
36.
Partially drain and check condition of water heater.
(P)
37.
Check furnace filters monthly; change as needed.
Have heating system checked and
serviced.
If it’s a hydronic system, check for leaks.
Service radiators and valves. (A)
38.
Test and start humidifier for proper operation. (S&F)
Attic:
39.
Check for adequate insulation in the attic.
Make sure insulation doesn’t block vent
openings.
40.
Inspect rafters and roof sheathing for signs of dry rot,
mold, decay or deterioration. (A)
General:
41.
Check all interior walls and ceilings for cracks.
Check condition of paint. (A)
42.
Check all floors for any signs of sagging. (A)
43.
Check smoke detector charge. (P)
H
MOVING CHECKLIST
H
INTERNATIONAL
MOVE CHECKLIST:
O Consult immigration office.
O Get birth certificates.
O Get vet certificate(s) for pet(s).
O Arrange for language courses.
O Check currency requirements.
O Get duplicate keys for luggage.
O Take copy of documents left behind.
O Check import policies on cars, pets, plants.
O Check wardrobe if moving to a new climate.
O Get passports, visas and work permits.
O Get residence permit.
O Get customs exit and entry forms for pets and household goods.
O Get immunization records.
O Get medical certificates.
O Get international driver’s licence.
O Get marriage licence, adoption papers.
GENERAL
CHECKLIST:
O Make flow chart for days/weeks before move.
O Make daily schedules.
O Get estimates from moving companies and arrange method of payment.
O Get boxes of packing containers.
O Notify post office and send out changes of address to companies
to inform of move:
telephone,
insurance, mail order clubs, book and record clubs, gas or fuel
oil, electric company, property tax dept., laundry, newspapers,
magazines, doctor, dentist, lawyer, community centre, stockbroker,
accountant, cable television, utilities, motor vehicle branch,
vets, credit card companies, motor club.
O Transfer or resign club or association memberships.
O Sell, give away, discard unnecessary belongings.
O Get letter of introduction to church, new clubs, bank.
O Make arrangements to move family, hotel reservations, plane
tickets.
O Get all medical, dental, birth, baptism and marriage records.
O Transfer house, car, personal insurance records and check auto
licensing requirements.
O Check and clear tax assessments on your current property.
O Ensure that your moving out and in days do not conflict with
the two other parties involved.
O Check storage facilities.
O Collect and send out items to be cleaned or repaired.
O Arrange for connection or disconnection of utilities.
O Have your car prepared for the trip or transport.
O Dispose of flammable items.
O Defrost and clean fridge one day before moving:clean stove.
O Arrange to have meter read on moving day.
O Make arrangements with caretakers if renting.
O Use up perishable food.
O Arrange to transport pets, plants and perishables.
O Clean rugs and drapes.
O Arrange for work that has to be done at new home.
O Get warranties and tips from previous occupants.
O Plan for children and pets on moving day.
O Get moving company
appraisals of items for future claims.
O Check swimming pool equipment.
O Cancel cleaning staff, pool maintenance, window cleaners, gardener
and snow removal.
O Leave house clean for new occupants.
O Transfer prescriptions for drugs and eyeglasses.
O Transfer government or private health and hospital plans.
O Return library books.
O Cancel or pass on subscription tickets.
O Arrange for money during move period.
O Transfer stocks, wills, bank accounts, contents of safety box.
O Ensure you have adequate insurance for goods in transit.
COST
CHECKLIST:
O Check land transfer taxes.
O Check tax increases, deductions and exemptions for the move.
O If the company is moving your family, check what they will
pay for: hotels,
meals, movers, house-hunting trips, transportation, moving insurance,
storage, lawyers, loss on house sale or rent, mortgage penalty,
real estate commissions, overlapping expenses, travel for spouse
prior to move, housing policy.
O Net revenue from selling or renting current home.
O Cost of new home.
O Check lawyer fees.
O Check
mortgage transfer.
O Will there be an increase in mortgage costs?
O Will there be a lapse in pay-cheques during move?
O Check movers’ fee.
O Check other costs re:
move, transportation, food, kennels, sitter.
O Check living expenses in new community.
O Will you need a second car?
O Check new land taxes and personal taxes/exemptions.
O Maintenance and renovations to new home.
O Check real estate broker’s fee if selling.
O Check penalty if lease is broken if renting.
O Will there be an overlap of mortgage payments?
PACKING
CHECKLIST:
O Get
packing paper, pad for inventory, marking pens and boxes.
O Heavy twine or masking tape.
O Get boxes or containers.
O Empty gas from lawnmower, outboard motors, etc.
O Remove batteries from toys or appliances.
O Mark cartons clearly as to contents and room to be put in.
O Set aside things you will carry in car in carton “Do Not Load”.
O Mark cartons you want loaded last and unloaded first.
O Tie or tape curtain rods, mops and brooms into bundles.
O Point out and mark fragile or delicate items.
O Carry money, jewellery and valuable papers with you.
O Do not overload drawers when packing items in dressers.
O Liquids in bottles should have tops secured.
O Blankets are best moved in large boxes; towels and pillows
in dresser drawers.
O Large mirrors, glass table tops and valuable pictures can be
crated.
O Cartons weight should not exceed 60ounds or 27 kilograms.
O Pack lampshades in boxes by themselves.
O Do
not use newspaper to pack anything:
the ink rubs off.
O Do
not leave shelves loose in fridge or stove.
O Small appliances should be wrapped and packed in bottom of
boxes.
O Do not pack cleaning products in same box as food.
O Table lamps should be packed.
O Place heavy china items at bottom of box:
all flat pieces should be placed on edge.
O Small items should be packed in a small box inside a larger
one.
O Move clothes and drapes in a wardrobe supplied by mover.
O Do not roll mattresses or rugs; leave for movers (special cartons).
O Do not wrap furniture or tie with rope.
O Large power tools should be dismantled for moving.
O Leave furniture in place for movers to move.
O Take down any fixtures fastened to wall.
MOVING
DAY:
O Be on hand for movers.
O Keep personal luggage awauy from movers.
O Arrange for a few favourite toys for the children.
O Put all valuables in a safe place.
O Get floor plan of new home.
O Arrange for supplies for transition period.
O Make shopping list for first day.
O Get keys to new home.
O Remove trash.
O Disconnect telephone.
O Ensure doors and windows are locked.
O Notify neighbours.
O Heat turned down.
O Have necessary papers money, tickets, traveller’s cheques with
you.
O Arrange for sitter on arrival.
O Final check of basement, rooms, cupboards, attic and garage.
O Keep copy of mover’s inventory with you or in a safe place
in case of serious loss or damage.
ARRIVING:
O Have children and pets elsewhere if possible.
O Be on hand for movers.
O Check off numbered boxes.
O List claims for damages or loss.
O Pay movers.
O Check supply of heating fuel.
O Unpack everything.
O Get appliances hooked up.
O Get utilities turned on or meter read.
O Plan for the day’s meals or ask neighbours for nearest restaurants.
O Get kitchen and bedrooms set up first.
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